Observations from Broncos supporter:
Melbourne wrestling techniques definitely slow subsequent play-the-ball speed; they did this to broncs last weekend. It did not get penalized the week before either which surpised me.
- Plenty of dubious passes from both teams;
- Plenty of around-the-neck wrestling/tackling from the Eels went without penalty in the second half.
- If it were Mortimer (and not GI) taken out, I'm sure a penalty would have resulted due to crowd reaction.
- Slater looked to have dropped ball; if it did come in contact with knee, that this was just sloppy on Slater's behalf. Tough penalty.
The crowd looked 95% eels supporters; If it were the other way round, scoreline may not have been as close.
Side thought...
J Hayne rarely seems to show any enthusiasm to run the ball back fast; he kind of dances around (I don't blame him - I wouldnt want to get smashed either). But still, I notice this often when he plays. Probably 30% of the time, I think he is bad for the eels - it's like he tries to conserve energy throughout most of the match, so that he can then burn opposition at later time.